Mardaani 3's 'Ramanujan' Prajesh Kashyap CONFESSES To Being Starstruck Every Day By Rani Mukerji

Prajesh Kashyap opened up on his acting journey, exemplifying patience and dedication, and his film was Mardaani 3. In this exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, he shares how 8 years of auditions and stage work helped him develop his craft and ultimately land the role of the intense villain Ramanujan. He talks about the privilege of working with the legendary Rani Mukerji. Prajesh discusses why audiences are increasingly captivated by morally nuanced roles and expresses his excitement for future projects that challenge and inspire him. Scroll down to read what he said.

‘Ramanujan’ Prajesh Kashyap On Rani Mukerji Led Mardaani 3

Did You Ever Imagine That A Small Audition 8 Years Ago Would Lead You To Play Such An Intense Villain In Mardaani 3?

“Well, I did not audition for Mardaani 3 eight years ago. I think I was able to get the part in Mardaani 3 because of the many small auditions that I have given over the last eight years, along with my experiences of working in theatre with some of the best theatre directors in this country. I think I was able to make the most of this opportunity, the audition for Mardaani 3, because of the preparation and training that I received over the last eight years. All the credit goes to that journey that brought me here at this time.”

You Mentioned That Ramanujan Is More Mental Preparation Than Physical. Did You Draw Inspiration From Real-Life Villains Or Psychopaths For This Role?

“No, I did not draw any inspiration as such. I think that is how the character of Ramanujan was written in the script, and that is how I made sense of this character. Of course, I had to put in some thought while developing the character further, but it was all there in the script. I tried to create the character with as much originality and truth as I could.”

Rani Mukerji Has Been A Legend In The Industry. Did You Ever Get Starstruck During Your Scenes With Her Or Did You Manage To Keep Your Cool? Did She Give You Any Tips And Tricks During Filming That You Will Never Forget?

“I was starstruck every single day I was shooting with her. As for tips, I think just watching her perform—the way she is dedicated and committed to her craft—was the biggest learning for me. That kind of learning is beyond any tips and tricks someone can give. To see an actor like Rani Ma’am, after all these years, still being so dedicated and committed to her craft is the biggest lesson I could get. I had the good fortune of witnessing and experiencing that.”

Your Transition From Theatre To A YRF Blockbuster Is Quite A Leap. Did You Face Any Doubts From Anyone?

“No, I did not face any doubts. I had no doubts, and I faced no doubts. All my mentors and teachers have fully supported and encouraged me over the years to make the most of the opportunities I get as an actor. They are extremely thrilled and very happy with my work. So there was absolutely no doubt.”

Your Casting Was Kept Under Wraps For So Long. Did You Ever Worry That The News Would Leak Or That You Would Not Get The Part?

“No. I fully trusted my director and Yash Raj Films to ensure that we tell the story the way we want to tell it. I was very sure and secure about that. I had to keep it a secret for a year, and I think I did a very good job as well. And, I had full faith that nothing would impact the truth of the story we wanted to tell.”

How Do You Feel About Being Dubbed The YRF Mastermind Of Mardaani 3?

“It feels incredible. It is amazing. Getting a part like this under the YRF banner is an incredible opportunity, and I feel great to be called the YRF mastermind.”

Do You Think Villains Like Ramanujan Are More Relatable Than Heroes In Today’s World? Why Do You Think Audiences Are So Drawn To Dark Characters?

“That is a very good question. I do not know why audiences relate more to dark characters, but I think both villains and heroes are shaped by society. Someone who is a villain in one story may be a hero in another, and vice versa. A villain has their own story in which they are the hero. When a villain is well written, and we understand how they became who they are, or when we see their humanity, that is what draws us in.

He added, “The good and righteous are idealistic, and we must hold on to our values and ethics. But when a dark character is portrayed well, people are able to understand and empathise with their darkness. As an actor, it is often more interesting to play dark characters because they have more shades and layers. It is a great challenge to find humanity and empathy in someone who is morally twisted. That is what makes such characters compelling to watch.”

Are There Any Dark Roles Or Villains That You Are Eyeing Next, Or Are You Planning To Switch Gears Now?

“I am planning to make the most of the opportunities I get. I would like to do roles that challenge and excite me. Whether they are villains or heroes, I am more than happy to be part of projects that make meaningful cinema and give me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”

About The Mardaani Franchise

Directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 3 continues the franchise’s tradition of socially relevant cinema. Mardaani exposed the grim realities of human trafficking. And, Mardaani 2 explored the disturbing psyche of a serial rapist who challenged the system. Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society. It further strengthens the franchise’s legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling.

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